7A/6A-CENTRAL BOYS

Conway comes up empty in fourth

CONWAY - Conway missed on six opportunities to tie or take the lead in the final 20 seconds, and Fort Smith Northside escaped with a 59-57 victory Friday night.

Fort Smith Northside (16-6, 7-2 7A/6A-Central) took a two-point lead with 37 seconds left when Joe Dye made the second of two free throws. Conway then had its chances to tie the game or possibly win it.

A.J. Burton missed in the lane, and Javonte Ellis’ tip would not go. John Nekonchuk’s put back attempt was no good, but Conway retained possession as the ball went out of bounds. Nekonchuk was fouled on the inbound play, but missed the front end of a one-and-one. Ellis was fouled after the rebound and missed his free-throw attempt.

Once again, the Grizzlies could not corral the rebound, losing it out of bounds. That gave Conway one last chance, but Burton’s fall-away three-pointer from the corner was no good.

“We shot ourselves in the foot by missing free throws,” Northside Coach Eric Burnett said. “We gave them opportunities. I’m just glad we made the plays when we had to, to get out of here with a win. They caused us a lot of problems. The way they shot the ball was unreal.”

Burton led all scorers with 23 points, while Ellis added 10 for Conway.

Dye led the Grizzlies with 17 points, while Jace Richardson added 15 and Triplett 10.

Sports, Pages 24 on 02/15/2014

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